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Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI have teamed up with Libraries NI to bring their powerful Discover ME campaign to Newry Library at the start of June.
The Discover ME campaign has been organised by the Charity Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI, as part of an ongoing initiative to raise awareness for the medical conditions Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.), Fibromyalgia, Long Covid and other Post Viral Syndromes (PVS) such conditions can demonstrate overlapping characteristics.
Members of the public are invited to Newry Library from 2-3pm on Monday, June 3 to have the opportunity to experience the Discover ME virtual reality awareness film and have access to a variety of information and resources.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson Councillor Valerie Harte will show her support for the campaign by attending the library to experience the film herself.
The campaign, designed to deepen public and professional understanding of chronic conditions like M.E., will begin on World ME Day where significant landmarks such as Parliament Buildings at Stormont and various council buildings are to be lit up in blue to symbolise solidarity and support for those affected by M.E., Fibromyalgia and Long Covid.
It's part of a 13-library tour across the country. Julie Reid, Deputy Head of Services for Libraries NI said they were delighted to be supporting a powerful educational campaign like Discover ME across their network.
She added: “Libraries NI is pleased to support this initiative as it raises awareness of the significant impact that conditions like M.E. and Fibromyalgia can have on individuals' lives.
At each library location, visitors will be able to have the opportunity to put on a VR headset and experience the six-minute Discover ME film themselves.
Hope 4 ME & Fibro founder Joan McParland MBE said developing the Discover ME film into a VR experience introduces M.E. and addresses the stigma and misinformation surrounding the disease.
She explained: “We felt it was important to turn the film into a VR experience because it’s a unique way to view the message. Because it is in VR you are completely immersed in the patient experiences - they’re sharing the hard hitting reality of living with M.E. in their own words”
The Discover ME film was directed and produced by Professor Deepa Mann-Kler, chief executive of Neon and visiting professor of Immersive Futures at Ulster University.
Joan continued “Our mission with the Discover ME campaign is to challenge the myths and misrepresentation surrounding M.E., and other related conditions like Fibromyalgia and Long Covid and to show the harsh realities faced by patients through a compelling VR experience. Professor Deepa Mann-Kler has brilliantly transformed this into an animated VR film that goes beyond conventional awareness efforts.”
Professor Mann Kler said using virtual reality allowed the charity to provide a visceral understanding of the lives disrupted by M.E. and similar conditions.
“How we made Discover ME was as equally important as the final piece, where the process of co-creation has lead to a truly authentic and compelling insight into the lives of people from all walks of life and their lived experiences. As a storyteller, it was an honour to be trusted in this way.
“This campaign is so important in helping raise awareness. Discover ME also now forms part of the Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast respective Medical Schools course curriculum. That will help change people's lives, by training future Doctors” she explained.
The Discover ME campaign also includes a series of awareness billboards, social media and a series of additional events for the medical profession and educators in the area of M.E., Fibromyalgia and Long Covid.
Discover ME Film is a partnership between Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI, Silverink, Enter Yes and Neon and was funded by NI Screen.
Additional funding for virtual reality headset equipment was provided by The Hospital Saturday Fund and monies raised by patients and their family members.
For more information about the campaign go to hope4mefibro.org
